Join The Freedom Journey: A Thailand Immersion
Helping you make a meaningful impact in the fight against human trafficking.
Empathy, passion and knowledge are essential to combat human trafficking and child sexual exploitation. Understand the fight against human trafficking and learn from those on the frontlines.
Winter 2027, The Freedom Journey: A Thailand Immersion
- Trip Dates: February 7-13
- Locations: We will begin in Bangkok, continue through Pattaya and Chiang Mai, and end in Chiang Rai, where we’ll visit The Freedom Story’s Resource Center.
- Leaders: The trip will be led by Lucy McCray (CEO of The Freedom Story), who has more than 20 years of experience in Thailand.
- Educational Focus: Gain insights into the historical, social, and economic factors of human trafficking and sexual exploitation. Meet with staff, scholarship students, and local partner organizations to learn how to make a meaningful impact in the fight against human trafficking.
About Field Learning Trips
Experience the beauty of Thailand and its people for 7 days while also learning about the complexities of child sexual exploitation and human trafficking from leading non-profit practitioners.
Before the trip, we’ll provide a list of reading materials, more information about the trip’s itinerary, and brief cultural training.
Throughout the trip, we’ll introduce you to experts in the field and organizations we partner with. These site visits provide educational presentations and structured conversations, so you return home prepared and excited to share your experience. And while the trip’s focus is on learning about the importance of trafficking prevention, we make sure to share with you the beauty that Thailand offers. We eat at thoughtfully curated restaurants with the best Thai food, stay at unique boutique hotels and incorporate site visits (like a visit to an elephant sanctuary at the Golden Triangle) for a memorable trip.
At the close of our time together, we’ll talk about next steps. Past attendees have hosted dinner parties or other events, written guest blog posts, committed to raising money for student scholarships, or simply told their friends about their trip and invited them to get involved in the work of prevention.
What to Know About The Freedom Journey
An Overview
Immerse yourself in the vibrant beauty of Thailand, while being equipped to take meaningful action in the fight against human trafficking. Learn from cutting-edge organizations and local leaders who will guide you through the historical, social and economic factors that contribute to trafficking in Thailand. At the end of the seven days, you will see the power of prevention and be equipped to take meaningful action in your local context.
Pre-Trip Details
Before you go, we’ll equip you with essential reading materials, a detailed itinerary, and cultural training.
Who Should Apply?
Individuals who have a passion and commitment to working toward social justice are highly encouraged to apply. Space is limited to 12 people, so we prioritize existing Freedom Story donors and supporters, as well as others who are serious about getting involved with our mission and work. Attendees under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian.
UPCOMING 2025 FIELD LEARNING TRIP
Our 2025 Field Learning Trip will take place November 16 – November 23. Beginning in Bangkok, it will continue to Pattaya, Chiang Mai and end in Chiang Rai, where we will visit The Freedom Story’s Resource Center. In addition to learning about the complex historical, social, and economic layers of human trafficking and sexual exploitation, participants will meet and learn from a few of our partner organizations as well as some of our staff and scholarship students.
This year’s trip will be led by Lucy McCray (The Freedom Story’s CEO) and Chris Morgan (Resource Mobilization Manager). Collectively, Lucy and Chris have lived in Thailand for over 20 years.
Who should apply?
We give priority for placement on these trips to existing Freedom Story donors and supporters. We look for people who are serious about getting involved with The Freedom Story and our mission. We also seek individuals who have demonstrated a passion for and commitment to social justice. Space is limited to 12 individuals, and attendees must be at least 18 years old or accompanied by a legal guardian if under 18.
How Much Does It Cost?
Shared Room
$1,700
Great for couples or for an individual traveler that doesn’t mind sharing a hotel room with another fellow participant. (Estimated price per person)
PRIVATE ROOM
$1,900
We stay in four star hotels and you would be the only occupant in your hotel room. (Estimated price per person)
UPCOMING 2025 FIELD LEARNING TRIP
Shared Room
$1,700
Great for couples or for an individual traveler that doesn’t mind sharing a hotel room with another Learning Trip Attendee. (Estimated price per person)
PRIVATE ROOM
$1,900
We stay in four star hotels and you would be the only occupant in your hotel room. (Estimated price per person)
What To Expect:
- Site visits with experts and partner organizations who are leading in the fight against human trafficking.
- A locally curated, cultural experience that includes the best Thai food, stays at unique boutique hotels and visits to cultural sights such as temples and an elephant sanctuary.
- Time to connect with The Freedom Story staff and scholarship students to see the power of prevention first-hand.
- Clear ways to take meaningful action against human trafficking when you return home.
What’s included:
- In-country travel, including flights to Chiang Mai and private transportation to Pattaya and Chiang Rai.
- 4-star hotels in downtown locations for maximum comfort.
- 3 meals per day, featuring delicious and authentic Thai cuisine.
- Cultural outings, including temple visits, and elephant sanctuaries.
- Meeting with local organizations who are leading the charge to combat human trafficking in Thailand and around the world.
- Experienced hosts with more than 20 years of experience in Thailand.
*Participants are responsible for airfare to and from Bangkok, taxis between airports and hotels, and any personal expenses (e.g., souvenirs, alcohol, coffee shop visits)*
These amounts are estimates only and are subject to change.
What’s included:
- In-country travel including your flight to Chiang Mai and a private vans.
- 4 star hotels in central, downtown locations
- Three (delicious!) meals per day
- Cultural outings including temple entrance fees and a visit to the elephant sanctuary at the Golden Triangle
- Full-time translator on the trip
- Access to learning from leaders and their anti-trafficking organizations
- Donations to the partner organizations who generously host us
- Two knowledgeable and fun hosts with 20 years collective experience in Thailand – we’re excited to share our favorite restaurants, sites and experiences with you
What’s not included:
- Participants are responsible for purchasing their airfare to and from Bangkok
- Taxi from the Bangkok airport to the hotel
- Taxi from the hotel in Chiang Rai to the Chiang Rai Airport
- The trip concludes in Chiang Rai and participants are encouraged to continue traveling or can opt to purchase a ticket to Bangkok for their connecting flight home. Therefore, the flight from Chiang Rai to your next destination is not included.
- Alcohol is not included
- Odds and ends such as souvenir shopping or coffee shop visits are not included.
These amounts are estimates only and are subject to change.
Hear From Past Participants
It was an amazing experience, giving us [our family of four] deeper insight into the issues surrounding human trafficking in Thailand. We were able to see firsthand the work that not only The Freedom Story are doing to combat this, but also visited other partners TFS work with in this area. We were looked after so well, the accommodation was great and we had the best Thai food we have ever had in our lives! Really life changing."
We were sobered by the size and scope of the scourge of human trafficking that we saw. On the other hand, we ended the trip encouraged and hopeful because we met so many wonderful people and organizations that are providing opportunities and hope for vulnerable populations in Thailand. Our time with The Freedom Story was amazing, informative and emotional.”
Well organized but not overbearing. There is a good balance of the intensity of the content mixed in with leisure play so that you truly enjoy Thailand, not as a monolithic, but as the beautiful and hospitable nation that it is—without disregarding its complicated history and social realities. You will learn and have fun and get as full of an experience of Thailand as possible in a short trip.”
Well organized but not overbearing. The learning trip is carefully planned and executed so that participants can relax and make space for spontaneity that happens organically on a once-in-a-lifetime trip like these. There is a good balance of the intensity of the content mixed in with leisure play so that you truly enjoy Thailand not as monolithic, but as the beautiful and hospitable nation that it is, without disregarding its complicated history and social realities. You will learn and have fun and get as full of an experience of Thailand as possible in a short trip."
The trip to Thailand that The Freedom Story curates is informative, inspirational and immersive! I loved learning about Thailand — from understanding the complexities of human trafficking to experiencing the rich and beautiful culture." (To read more about Lindsey’s reflections.
A truly eye opening, immersive and encompassing look at trafficking in Thailand. A perfect mixture of topical and cultural learning that won’t leave you feeling hopeless, but rather, inspired to engage."
This trip is extremely informative and fun! I love Freedom Story’s perspective and participation to make a difference in a multilayered complex problem. I recommend this trip to anyone who wants to learn how to make a difference."
Ready to make a difference in the fight against trafficking?
